Classic Albums – Led Zeppelin III

Led Zeppelin III: A Guitarist’s Guide
Released in October 1970, Led Zeppelin III marked a change in musical direction for the legendary band. Shifting focus from the late 1960s hard rock sound, to a more psychedelic folk and acoustic blend, Led Zeppelin proved on this record that were capable of playing different styles while still successfully infusing their hard rock and blues rock roots that fans had come to expect.
When considering Led Zeppelin III, it’s impossible to overlook the integral role Jimmy Page, the band’s lead guitarist and producer, played in the album’s creation. Page’s distinctive blend of blues, rock, and folk, paired with a profound understanding of guitar scales, created an iconic album that resonates with guitarists worldwide.
In this course, LickLibrary veteran, Danny Gill walks you through the many highlights of each song from the rock giants one phrase at a time, including all of Jimmy Page’s legendary guitar parts from the tracks; “Since I’ve Been Loving You,” “Gallows Pole,” and the epic,“Immigrant Song.”

Guitar Lessons in This Course
• Immigrant Song
• Friends
• Celebration Day
• Since I’ve Been Loving You
• Out On The Tiles
• Gallows Pole
• Tangerine
• That’s The Way
• Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
• Hats Off To (Roy) Harper

Guitar Lesson 1: Immigrant Song
The opener is instantly recognizable, with a ripping two-note power chord, an aggressive yet simple E Dorian riff that roars to life. Page’s alternate picking on the open E string for the staccato pulse contributes to the song’s icy, Viking vibe. The brief, two-note solo sees Page in a pentatonic playground.

Guitar Lesson 2: Friends
Page uses a C6 open tuning (C-A-C-G-C-E) in this track, which gives an exotic, Indian feel. The primary riff is a descending sequence based on the C Mixolydian scale, showcasing Page’s genius in using open-string riffs to create distinctive melodies.

Guitar Lesson 3: Celebration Day
The riff’s hypnotic repetition and syncopated rhythms, combined with Page’s bluesy bends in the solo, make this a groovy, rocking number.

Guitar Lesson 4: Since I’ve Been Loving You
A minor pentatonic showcase, the song sees Page employing legato runs, bluesy bends, and scorching vibrato, all with an emotional intensity. The solo is filled with minor pentatonic licks with the occasional major 6th and 9th thrown in, creating a perfect mix of blues and sophistication.

Guitar Lesson 5: Out on the Tiles
The main riff, played in unison with the bass, is a descending chromatic sequence in G. Page’s use of double-stops and the minor pentatonic scale during the brief solos adds a bluesy flavor to this hard-rocking tune.

Guitar Lesson 6: Gallows Pole
Page employs an open A tuning (E-A-E-A-C#-E) for this folk revival. He uses Travis picking in the verses to create a rhythmic and melodic accompaniment, while the solo is a simple melody line that uses the A major scale.

Guitar Lesson 7: Tangerine
A mix of finger-picking and strumming with a capo on the 3rd fret gives a rustic, folk vibe. The solo employs slides and string bending on a G major scale that adds a melancholic tone.

Guitar Lesson 8: That’s the Way
Finger-picked with a D-G-D-G-B-D tuning, it showcases Page’s appreciation for folk music. The melodic lines revolve around a D major scale, while the string slides add a touch of blues.

Guitar Lesson 9: Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
Page’s acoustic technique shines here. Alternate bass picking on a Martin D-28 in open F tuning (C-F-C-F-A-C) creates a lively, country feel.

Guitar Lesson 10: Hats Off to (Roy) Harper
Played in an open G tuning (D-G-D-G-B-D), Page’s slide guitar creates a ramshackle tribute to folk bluesman, Roy Harper.

Lead Guitarist Jimmy Page
Lead guitarist Jimmy Page’s creative experimentation with altered tunings, finger-picking, and blues-based rock techniques made Led Zeppelin III a classic. His ability to blend various influences showcases his contribution and vision as a producer.

Guitar Techniques Used in the Album
• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Double Stops
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Bluesy Bends
• Open-String Riffs
• Altered Tunings
• Finger Picking
• Slides
• Travis Picking
• Capo
• Chromaticism
• String Bending